Matt is more than just football. He's also about the outdoors, family, and giving back. MattLight was born on June 23, 1978, in Greenville, Ohio. He started playing football as a kid, and won a scholarship to Purdue University, where he originally played as a tight end. It soon became clear that he was best suited for a spot on the offensive line, a position that he remained in for the rest of his football career. While a Boilermaker, Matt played as left tackle behind his friend and future SuperBowl MVP quarterback Drew Brees. In his senior year there, he earned All-Big ten recognition after starting 12 games, helping an offensive line en route to a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl Game appearance. He graduated Purdue with a degree in Industrial Engineering, but football soon became a full-time career.

Matt was drafted out of college in the 2nd round by the New England Patriots in 2001, and then began what would be a storied football career, complete with 5 SuperBowl Appearances, 3 SuperBowl championships, and 3 trips to the ProBowl over the course of 11 seasons in the NFL. His reputation for leadership, in the locker room as a captain, on the field, and in the League, as an NFLPA player rep, and then member of the Executive Committee -- was widely known.

When Matt decided to start his own nonprofit, in his rookie year with the Patriots, he knew the cause would involve at risk kids who needed a mentor to show them the path to success. He knew he would work to teach them life skills through unique outdoor learning experiences. His dream was to create a place where he could provide such programs and that dream was realized in 2007, when the Light Foundation opened its Chenoweth Trails facility.

In May of 2012, Matt Light retired from the NFL. Always comfortable in media interviews and in front of the camera, he enjoyed a short stint as an analyst at ESPN, for which he still contributes content from time to time. Nowadays, Matt spends time running his various business ventures, including the launch of KEEL Vodka, a new brand of "light vodka" that just hit the market, and working to grow the Light Foundation so that it can reach more kids who need the help. He also makes personal appearances and takes on corporate speaking engagements around the country, as well. When he's not working, he enjoys family time with his wife Susie, daughters Grace and Anna, and sons Colin and William.

Honors & Awards.In addition to Matt Light's athletic achievements, he's also received a number of high-profile awards for his charity work. Matt received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President's Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. He was named the Hockomock Area YMCA's Special Legend in 2011, the Pop Warner Humanitarian Award winner in 2012, the Gridiron Club's "Man of the Year" in 2012, Purdue University's 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame, and was most recently named All Sports United's 2014 Humanitarian Award Recipient. He's also a member of the New England Patriot's "All-Decade Team" for the 2000's.